Many thanks for the paper. I always look forward to
it, for to me there is no town like Harrogate. I would like to see
it the end of this month and next, for that is the time the old town
takes some beating. I always pass my paper on, as there are a few
local lads in our company, and they all like to read the news from
home. I was thankful for the socks my wife sent me through your
kindness. They are articles that are very bad to get out here. If
you have bad socks you will be sure to have bad feet. I was sorry to
see that ???? Clelland had been killed. We used to be neighbours in
Albert Road. His wife and family have my deepest sympathy. Wishing
you and your paper every success.

Harrogate Herald – 29th January 1919

H Mais writes :

I have just finished reading your interesting letter to us boys.
It is the one thing that I always read first, and I think with you
that a YMCA would be a good and useful memorial, for no one will
ever be able to put a value on the work they have done for the
troops out here. I am writing this letter in barracks not far from
Cologne, which town we passed through on our way here. What we saw
gave us the impression that Cologne has not suffered from a shortage
of food, for all the shops were well stocked. We passed along the
front of the Cathedral. It is a beautiful building, and I shall not
forget to have a good look in and around it. We came to Cologne by
train from a place called Moha in Belgium, where the people made us
very welcome; in fact, they did not know hoe to make enough of us.
When we left it was as bad as leaving home, tears flowing like
water. I expect I shall not be long before I get my discharge. I am
the oldest man in the Company – in my 50th year, and have been out
two years and nine months. I shall not be sorry, for there is no
place like Blighty after all. I am sure all the Harrogate boys will
join me in wishing you and your paper a prosperous New Year.